Cinderella

Cinderella was a gentle, kind-hearted girl who lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Though they made her do all the chores, Cinderella stayed cheerful and hummed to the little birds and mice who were her friends.

One day the king invited everyone to a grand ball at the palace. The stepsisters swept off in their finest gowns, leaving Cinderella behind. She sat by the hearth and sighed, until, in a shimmer of light, a kind fairy godmother appeared.

"You have such a good heart," said the fairy. "Tonight you shall go to the ball." With a wave of her wand, she turned a pumpkin into a golden carriage and Cinderella's old dress into a gown of silver, with tiny glass slippers. "But remember," she smiled, "the magic ends at midnight."

At the ball, the prince danced with Cinderella all evening. She was so happy! But when the clock began to chime midnight, she hurried away, and one little glass slipper slipped off on the stairs.

The prince searched the whole land, and the slipper fit Cinderella's foot perfectly. How kind and lovely she was! Soon they were married, and she brought her mouse and bird friends to live happily with her.

And every night after, Cinderella drifted off to sleep with a thankful, peaceful heart.